Guelph City Council is considering a proposed plan for an innovation district — a major development that will shape how the city grows over the next 50 years.

This is the first time a block plan has been used in Guelph; it shows how new neighbourhoods could be organized, including roads, parks, housing, schools and employment lands. The current proposal features up to 4,654 new housing units for the growing city.

“This decision goes beyond land use,” says Krista Walkey, general manager of planning and building services.” It’s about shaping the kinds of lives possible for the people who come after us. Neighbourhoods become our homes; they’re the places we raise kids, build friendships and find joy and connection. We need to carefully consider how the Guelph Innovation District is planned to ensure it becomes a neighbourhood that supports that kind of life for decades to come.”

City staff have reviewed Fusion Home’s proposed block plan and identified areas where it differs from current council-approved policies. Staff are recommending some changes such as support space for play, sports and connection with a larger community park (at least 6.7 hectares). Currently, the block plan proposes a 3.64 hectare community park, which is smaller than the 10-to-20-hectare range outlined in the official plan.

Staff are suggesting more protection for employment space rather than 5.3 hectares being proposed, which is below the 16.48 hectares identified by the province.

There is also a call to redesignate land use around heritage buildings. In the proposed block plan, the Frost Building — listed as a built heritage resource and governed by the Ontario Heritage Act — is shown within a future park space. Staff recommend changing the land-use designation for that site to residential to align with council-approved policies and plans. This will also ensure designated park space better meets the community’s need for sports fields and other park amenities.

Replacing employment lands with a residential block for a proposed elementary school will  preserve space for future jobs and meet school board needs.

Preserving views and access to the Eramosa River is another priority.  City staff are recommending a complete single-loaded road along the river an keeping houses to the non-river side of the road to protect community access and views.

Council will review the staff report at a meeting on Wednesday, September 10